|
|
|
| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
| [[Share On Facebook]] |
| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
Protecting Our Water, Families and Firefighters
Clean, safe drinking water is something every family deserves. I’m hosting an event about per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and drinking water on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Moon Township Municipal Building.
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have been used in a wide range of products, including food packaging, clothing, furniture and firefighting foams. Because some PFAS can remain in the environment for long periods of time, we need to understand their potential impact on our drinking water and take appropriate steps to address contamination.
The right approach is science-based and common sense. Not all PFAS are the same, and our policies should be guided by credible, peer-reviewed science, not fear or misinformation. At the same time, we need to reduce unnecessary exposure to our firefighters while ensuring they have the protective equipment they need to do their jobs safely.
I have supported legislation addressing harmful chemicals, protecting drinking water and ensuring that public policy is grounded in sound science.
| |
• |
House Bill 1130 - GRAS Chemicals: Requires companies to disclose the safety of certain chemicals they add to food products. |
| |
• |
House Bill 1134 - Food Dyes: Limits the use of certain artificial food dyes in food products sold in Pennsylvania. |
| |
• |
House Bill 1135 - Paraquat: Prohibits the use of paraquat, a highly toxic herbicide, as a pesticide in Pennsylvania. |
| |
• |
House Bill 2145 - PFAS: Prohibits the manufacture and sale of certain consumer products containing PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” |
| |
• |
Science-Based Drinking Water Protections: Supports stronger protections for Pennsylvania’s drinking water, including appropriate contaminant limits and monitoring and reporting requirements for public water systems. |
We also need to make sure those responsible for contamination are held accountable. Local communities and taxpayers should not be left carrying the financial burden for problems they did not create.
At our Oct. 15 event, we will discuss Pennsylvania’s PFAS regulations, drinking water monitoring requirements, treatment technologies and local efforts to protect water quality. I also want to hear directly from residents about their questions and concerns.
|
Making it More Affordable to Raise a Family
After hosting a childcare hearing in my district, I heard directly from parents and providers about the growing cost of childcare and the financial challenges of starting and raising a family.
I’m now sponsoring two bills in the Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan that would give families more financial flexibility. The Pennsylvania Family Savings Account Act would create tax-advantaged savings accounts for expenses such as childbirth, fertility treatments, adoption, parental leave and childcare. The Pennsylvania Childcare Affordability Act would expand Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, including additional support for families with three or more children.
Parents should not have to choose between working, building a career and affording the care their children need. Making childcare more affordable also helps employers retain workers and gives parents greater flexibility to stay in the workforce.
The Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan is a package of 10 bills focused on making Pennsylvania more affordable and strengthening our economy. The proposals address costs facing families and businesses while advancing policies designed to encourage investment, create opportunities and make Pennsylvania more competitive.
These bills offer practical solutions to help Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn and build a stronger future here in the Commonwealth.
This week, the GAP was announced at a press conference. Click here to watch.
|
New Survey Highlights Gaps in Pennsylvania’s Fight Against Human Trafficking
This week, as a member of the Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I participated in a press conference at the Capitol highlighting the findings of Pennsylvania’s first statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Survey.
Greenlight Operation and Messiah University surveyed nearly 200 community stakeholders, including survivors, law enforcement, educators, faith-based organizations and social service providers. The findings show both a strong commitment to addressing human trafficking and significant gaps that need to be addressed.
While 97.3% of respondents support better coordination of regional services and increased public awareness, only 25% of law enforcement and first responders said they felt equipped to identify human trafficking. Even more concerning, just 3.2% said sufficient aftercare services are available for survivors.
Jordan Pine, founder, president and chief executive office of Greenlight Operation, emphasized the need for better education, additional resources and expanded survivor services. These findings provide an important roadmap for how we can strengthen our response across Pennsylvania.
Human trafficking affects communities across our Commonwealth, and we must continue working together to prevent exploitation, support survivors and ensure those on the front lines have the tools and training they need.
I made comments during the press conference. Please watch below!
Click here to watch the entire press conference.
|
Time to Find a Responsible Path Forward for Skill Games
I joined small business owners, veterans, volunteer firefighters, skill game players and colleagues at the state Capitol to call for a legislative solution to legalize and regulate skill games in Pennsylvania.
Timing is important. As part of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision regarding skill games and the Gaming Act, the justices gave machine operators and lawmakers 120 days to either update the law or remove the machines to comply with the ruling. The deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13, and unfortunately, there is no chance a new law legalizing skill games will be passed in time. This is beyond frustrating, and it is an issue we still need to address.
One proposal would regulate skill games and establish a $500 monthly fee per terminal, with an estimated $700 million in additional annual revenue generated for the Commonwealth. Under the proposal, 84% would go toward roads, bridges and public transportation; 15% would support fire and emergency medical services (EMS); and 1% would cover administrative costs.
If skill games are going to generate this level of revenue, we need to be clear about where that money goes and make sure communities see the benefit. Pennsylvania has significant needs when it comes to infrastructure and volunteer fire and EMS services, and any new revenue should be accounted for transparently.
The Legislature needs to act and provide businesses, communities and taxpayers with a clear and responsible path forward.
To watch the rally, click here.
|
A Four-Legged Friend Making a Difference at West Allegheny Schools
Recently, I visited Wilson Elementary School in the West Allegheny School District, where I met Cooper, a therapy dog who has become a special part of the school community.
Therapy dogs such as Cooper can help students feel more comfortable, manage stress, build confidence and provide a friendly presence when they need one. West Allegheny has 15 therapy dog teams serving its schools, and I was fascinated to learn more about how these dogs are trained, what a typical day looks like and the many ways they can “save the day” for students and staff.
During my visit, I spoke with Dr. Rachel Gray, principal of Wilson Elementary, about how the therapy dog program got started and the impact it has had on the school community. We also talked about Cooper’s favorite activities and why having a therapy dog at school can make such a difference.
Please watch my interview below and meet Cooper.
|
Shredding Event Draws A Great Crowd!
Residents came out to Edgeworth Elementary School for my recent shredding event, giving everyone who attended a chance to safely and conveniently dispose of confidential documents while connecting with one another.
I’m grateful to Edgeworth Borough’s Public Works crew, Assistant Borough Manager Amy Brown and the Edgeworth Police Department for their support in making the event a success.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by. I look forward to continuing to provide opportunities such as this one that serve our residents.
|
Exploring the Future of Energy at Odyssey Day
I took part in Odyssey Day at the Community College of Allegheny County’s West Hills Campus, where students and community members had the opportunity to explore the future of energy through interactive and educational activities.
I enjoyed speaking and answering questions about workforce development, growing career opportunities and the rapidly changing technology shaping the energy industry.
Odyssey Day gives students a firsthand look at emerging industries and helps connect education with the skills employers need. Investing in these opportunities helps prepare our students for good careers and ensures Pennsylvania has the skilled workforce needed to compete in a changing economy.
|
Strengthening Our Area!
Recently, I joined colleagues from both sides of the aisle for the annual Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce Legislative Panel. We had a productive discussion about some of the key issues impacting our region, including transportation, energy and health care.
These conversations are valuable opportunities to hear directly from business and community leaders, share perspectives and discuss how we can support continued growth across the region.
Thank you to Chris Heck and the chamber for hosting this important conversation and bringing legislators together to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead.
|
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or one in three) of all new female cancers each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here.
|
Bill Supports Families of Fallen Law Enforcement Officers
I recently joined in the unanimous support of legislation that would ensure the dependents of fallen municipal police officers continue to have health insurance coverage.
House Bill 911 would provide insurance to the surviving spouse of the officer for his or her lifetime, and children would be covered until age 26. The proposal mirrors the benefits already available to Pennsylvania State Police families experiencing line-of-duty deaths.
When an officer gives his or her life in service to our Commonwealth, their mourning family members should not have to worry about access to insurance benefits. The bill is now pending consideration by the Senate.
|
PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Columbus Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Oct. 10, through Monday, Oct. 12, in observance of Columbus Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
|
|
|
